Messenger No. 148 (June 2012)

Telescopes and Instrumentation

ADS BibCode:2012Msngr.148....2MSection:
Telescopes and InstrumentationAuthor(s)/Affiliation(s):
McPherson, A.; Gilmozzi, R.; Spyromilio, J.; Kissler-Patig, M.; Ramsay, S.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO)Abstract:
The European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) has evolved over the last few years since the phase B review of the 42-metre design. While the design was strongly endorsed, the cost exceeded the maximum envelope and a re-baselining was implemented by the Project Office. The extent and ramifications of the new design are outlined including scientific, engineering and managerial aspects. Prototyping activities of some of the components are described and the first light instruments have been selected. The new baseline for the 39-metre E-ELT has been accepted by the ESO Council and awaits the decision on the start of construction.References:
Arsenault, R. et al. 2011, The Messenger, 142, 12; D’Odorico, S. et al. 2010, The Messenger, 140, 17; Gilmozzi, R. & Kissler-Patig, M. 2010, The Messenger, 143, 25; Spyromilio, J. et al. 2008, The Messenger, 133, 2

ADS BibCode:2012Msngr.148....9KSection:
Telescopes and InstrumentationAuthor(s)/Affiliation(s):
Kerber, F.; Rose, T.; van den Ancker, M.; Querel, R. R.
AA(ESO) AB(Radiometer Physics GmbH, Meckenheim, Germany) AC(ESO) AD(Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile)Abstract:
A water vapour radiometer has been permanently deployed on Paranal as a new tool for supporting science operations at the Very Large Telescope. The instrument allows the water vapour content of the atmosphere above the observatory to be monitored in real time with high precision and time resolution and periods of low precipitable water vapour (PWV) to be selected, providing better atmospheric transmission for observations in the infrared. The PWV measurements will be made available to VISIR users in the form of FITS header keywords. In addition, we expect that over time these data will allow a deeper insight into the atmospheric conditions on Paranal, with implications also for the operation of the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT) on nearby Cerro Armazones.References:
Chacon, A. et al. 2010, SPIE, 7733, 77334K Kerber, F. et al. 2010a, SPIE, 7733, 7731M Kerber, F. et al. 2010b, The Messenger, 141, 9; Rose, T. et al. 2005, Atmospheric Research, 75, 183; Querel, R. R. et al. 2010, SPIE, 7733, 773349; Querel, R. R., Naylor, D. A. & Kerber, F. 2011, PASP, 123, 222

Astronomical News

ADS BibCode:2012Msngr.148...39WSection:
Astronomical NewsAuthor(s)/Affiliation(s):
Weilenmann, U.
AA(ESO)Abstract:
The operation of observatories at remote sites presents significant demands for electrical energy. The use of renewable energy may become the solution to cope with the ever-rising prices for electrical energy produced from fossil fuels. There is not only a purely commercial aspect, but also the carbon footprint of observatory activities has to be considered. As a first step on the way to a “greener” Paranal Observatory, we propose the installation of a solar cooling system for the cooling of the telescope enclosures, using the abundant insolation that is freely available in the north of Chile. Further into the future, feasible options for photovoltaic and wind energy could supply the needs of the Paranal Observatory in a sustainable manner.References:
Abott, D. 2010, Proc. IEEE, 98, 42; Pickard, W. F. et al. 2012, Proc. IEEE, 100, 317; Weilenmann, U. et al. 2010, SPIE, 7737, 77371Y

ADS BibCode:2012Msngr.148...42RSection:
Astronomical NewsAuthor(s)/Affiliation(s):
Rivinius, T.; Carciofi, A.; Baade, D.
AA(ESO) AB(Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil) AC(ESO)Abstract:
The workshop was jointly sponsored by ESO, the Brazilian National and São Paulo state agencies CAPES and FAPESP, and the University of São Paulo. Nearly 70 participants gathered to discuss the immediate surroundings of stars, mostly those more massive and hotter than the Sun. The venue, near the spectacular Iguaçu waterfalls, and topic proved to be well chosen to attract a balanced crowd: about one third of the participants came from each of Brazil, other ESO member states and Chile, and ESO non-member states.

ADS BibCode:2012Msngr.148...44DSection:
Astronomical NewsAuthor(s)/Affiliation(s):
Dumas, C.; Sterzik, M.; Melo, C.; Siebenmorgen, R.; Girard, J.; Mouillet, D.
AA(ESO) AB(ESO) AC(ESO) AD(ESO) AE(ESO) AF(Observatoire de Grenoble, Switzerland)Abstract:
This second edition of the Observing Planetary Systems workshop was aimed at bringing together the two communities of Solar System and exoplanetary system scientists to review the recent progress made in our understanding of the formation of the Solar System and its early chemistry, and how this picture fits with our current knowledge of the formation and evolution of planetary systems in general.References:
Sterzik, M. & Dumas, C. 2007, The Messenger, 128, 72

ADS BibCode:2012Msngr.148...47DSection:
Astronomical NewsAuthor(s)/Affiliation(s):
Dąbrowski, B.; Karlický, M.
AA(Astronomical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ondřejov, Czech Republic) AB(Astronomical Institute, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Ondřejov, Czech Republic)Abstract:
The scope of the work of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) Regional Centre in the Czech Republic is briefly outlined and a short report is presented on the recent Winter School held in Prague.References:
Karlický, M. et al. 2011, Solar Phys., 268, 165

ADS BibCode:2012Msngr.148...48TSection:
Astronomical NewsAuthor(s)/Affiliation(s):
The ESO-Chile Outreach Volunteer Team
AA(ESO)Abstract:
ESO staff in Chile are often asked to disseminate astronomical knowledge to schools and to the general public. A significant number of volunteers are now involved in these activities and the most recent projects in low-income schools and neighbourhoods are described and possible perspectives discussed.

ADS BibCode:2012Msngr.148...50MSection:
Astronomical NewsAuthor(s)/Affiliation(s):
Meléndez, J.
AA(Astronomy Department, Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazi)Abstract:
Eight astronomy students from the University of São Paulo in Brazil had the invaluable experience of visiting the La Silla Observatory from 27–30 April 2012. This visit proved an excellent opportunity to develop stronger links between the new generation of Brazilian astronomers and ESO.